Shrink proofing of wool fabrics by pulse corona discharge and enzymes

Shrink-resistance finishing of wool by pulse corona discharge and enzymes has been investigated. The pulse corona discharge increased the hydrophilicity of the surface of wool. After the treatment the fabrics were subjected to the enzymatic treatment The enzymes used were a protease and keratinases. With the shrinkage the keratinases were more effective than the protease with small change of strength, weight loss, and handle. Scanning electron micrographs of wool fibers and fabrics showed that the surface of wool is treated uniformly with the enzymes, in particular the keratinases, after the pulse corona discharge, and fibrillation of the fabrics reduces significantly. An environmental SEM (ESEM) under wet condition exhibited that the open shape of scale of untreated wool surface in aqueous environment is closed or disappeared after the dual treatment of pulse corona discharge and enzyme.